How to create a PDF file

Very often whilst browsing the World Wide Web we come across PDF files. Items such as application forms, ebooks or fact sheets are presented to users in PDF format. So what exactly is a PDF file?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format and it was created by Adobe in 1993. The key benefit to using PDF files is that when opened, PDF files will look exactly the same for all users no matter what hardware or operating system the computer is using. This would not be the case if the document was provided using other common formats such as Microsoft Word.

In order to open a PDF document, Adobe Reader must be installed. The current version is version 9. It is free software and it can be downloaded here.

In order to create a PDF document, the document must be first created in a separate application, quite often Microsoft Word, and then printed to PDF. To print to PDF we must install a "PDF Printer". There are lots of different options to choose from when deciding on a PDF printer and the one I recommend is an application called CutePDF writer.

Once installed, in order to create a PDF document you simply click on File - Print and Choose the CutePDF printer rather than your normal physical printer.

You then choose what name you wish to call your PDF.